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close and clean


Years ago I remember spending some time with some incredible pastors that I greatly admire.  In the conversations of questions, facts, Scripture and much more there was one thing shared that has stuck with me.

One pastor mentioned that he often asks people to pray for him.  That is not out of the ordinary, but what he shared seemed to be from a deep love of God and conviction about living with integrity.

He asked that people pray that he would stay “close and clean”.  I like that.

The truth about staying close is the reality that we have to enjoy the presence of God and stay there.  Pray that I will do the same.  Pray for yourself.  To enjoy the presence of God is not something we can only do on Sunday.  This is something that will keep us transformed and strong.  

The truth about clean is a bit tougher but very needed.  Clean meant that we stay away from the things that stain or even remove our faith.  To pray that we will be clean literally means that we will see how sin as God sees it. Confess your shortcomings.  Live by faith.  Stay clean from the things that drive a wedge between you and God.

James 4:8  NASB
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Acts 3:19  NASB
Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

Pray that I would be close and clean.  Pray that I will listen to how God guides and see how He moves and guides.

1 Peter 5:6  NASB
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
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